Kaoru Mitoma’s excellent second-half performance helped Brighton & Hove Albion claim a 1-1 draw against Manchester City on Wednesday, extending the champions’ winless run to three Premier League matches. City now trail leaders Arsenal by five points ahead of the Gunners’ clash with Liverpool.
City appeared to be heading for victory when Erling Haaland converted a penalty four minutes before halftime. The spot-kick was awarded after VAR confirmed that Diego Gomez had fouled Jeremy Doku inside the penalty area. For Haaland, the goal was significant on multiple levels: it was his 150th for Manchester City, ended a three-game goal drought, and took him to 20 Premier League goals for the season.
The second half began with City pushing for a crucial second goal. Bernardo Silva had a excellent chance when he intercepted a Brighton error, but his shot rebounded off the post. Tensions escalated when City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Brighton’s Maxim De Cuyper were involved in a heated confrontation, resulting in yellow cards for both players.
Mitoma produced a moment of quality to level the scores in the 60th minute. Receiving a pass from the flank, the Japanese winger took a touch to position himself at the edge of the box before guiding a composed low shot into the far corner, beating Donnarumma with precision.
Brighton seized the initiative after equalizing, controlling possession and building attacks patiently. Mitoma was involved in Brighton’s best opportunity to take the lead, providing a cross for Gomez inside the box, but the midfielder’s shot was saved by Donnarumma. The rebound fell to Mitoma, whose angled effort from near the byline struck the post. City had one final chance to claim victory when Haaland found himself one-on-one with Verbruggen in the dying moments, but the Brighton goalkeeper’s excellent save ensured the spoils were shared.
Japanese Star Mitoma Shines as Brighton Frustrate Manchester City
